Effects of 3'-Sialyllactose on Symptom Improvement in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: 3'-Sialyllactose (3'-SL), a human milk oligosaccharide, has anti-inflammatory effects and is demonstrated to have protective effects against osteoarthritis (OA) in vitro and in vivo. However, this hypothesis remains to be investigated in a clinical setting. Herein, we investigated the effects of 3'-SL on pain and physical function in patients with knee OA. Methods: Sixty patients with knee OA with Kellgren and Lawrence grades (KL-grades) 1-4 and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (KWOMAC) scores ≥30 were randomly assigned to the placebo (n = 20), 3'-SL 200 mg (n = 20), and 3'-SL 600 mg (n = 20) groups. For 12 weeks, 3'-SL or placebo was administered to patients once a day. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and KWOMAC for physical function at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Adverse effects were assessed for 12 weeks. Results: Significant reductions in VAS and KWOMAC scores were observed at 12 weeks compared with the baseline in the 3'-SL group. No severe adverse effects were observed over 12 weeks. Conclusions: 3'-SL reduced pain in patients with knee OA, improved daily life movements, and was safe, suggesting that 3'-SL might be an effective treatment for knee OA without severe side effects.